Dermexcel- Medical-grade Skincare made in SA!

It's always very exciting to find and be able to write about brilliant products that are locally produced- one such brand is DermExcel, still relatively unknown, but bound to make a grand entrance once word gets around to skincare junkies like me!

Dermal Health was founded in 2016 as a speciality biotechnology company developing, manufacturing and marketing a range of products serving the aesthetic medical market, i.e. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, Dermatologists and Aesthetic Medical practitioners. The company uses pharmaceutical-grade ingredients manufactured and tested to deliver safe, effective, results for all patient skin types.

DermExcel includes advanced treatment products for managing photoaging, hyperpigmentation and acne. They are formulated according to pharmaceutical standards of purity, potency and stability and all the active ingredients, concentrations and dosing protocols are supported by data published in peer-reviewed medical literature. The ingredient list is a symphony to my ears: topical antioxidants, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Niacinamide, Powerful Peptides, Hydroxy acids, Retinoids and Hyaluronic acid.

The cleansers (3 types for 3 different skin types: Renewal Cleanser, Pore-control Face Wash and Medi-Zinc Cleanser) are priced so reasonably_ between R292 and R473.

I was fortunate enough to test 3 products: The Collagen serum, Radiant gel and Retinol Serum. My skin is used to prescription Retin A, so I had no redness from the active ingredients, but it's best to get a practitioner who stocks DermExcel to advise you on what to use, depending on skin type. Lovely packaging, with pump dispensers, these products really are top notch. The Collagen serum, which I used in the morning, is an anti-oxidant, brightening the skin because of an oil-soluble form of Vit C (stable and in high concentration)and it also contains a low molecular weight hyaluronic acid. So the result is plumped up, radiant skin.

I used the Retinol Serum at night- an advanced Vitamin A molecule using prescription strength Vitamin A, but without the irritation profile. The Serum also contains Niacinamide and peptides Matrixyl 3000 and Argireline. It is highly effective if you apply on dampened skin to ensure enhanced penetration. This product is not only great for aging skin but also for acne (you'll have to share with your teenager!)- one thing to remember when using retinol is your sunscreen (SPF 25 or higher) during the day.

My personal favourite is the Radiant Gel, a chemical exfoliant high in glycolic acid which effectively removes dull, dead skin cells. This treatment will target sun damage for sure, but for instant gratification you get bright, glass skin. In the long term, expect collagen production and hydration to improve, as well as having firmer skin. Chemical exfoliants on the market are usually quite expensive- this one, at R555.30 is a definite re-purchase for me. One pump does your whole face.

I spoke to Dr Cecile Baard, a medical practitioner who advocates DermExcel:

"I love the fact that this is a local, affordable and simple skincare regime. My patients like that it is a small range and easy to start incorporating it while finishing other products. I certainly recommend Radiant gel which helps to give you radiant, smooth-looking skin."

The range also includes eye serums and moisturisers- check it out! It's certainly worth your while to read up on the products if you're serious about skincare and believe that "Local is Lekker":